13 Best Things To Do In Valenzuela, Philippines

things to do in valenzuela philippines
Liezl
Liezl  
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The city of Valenzuela is straddled between the border of Metro Manila and its nearby province, Bulacan. For its residents, this means having the best of both worlds: city living and the opportunities that come with it, while having an easy escape from the bright lights with rural Bulacan just a stone’s throw away. Before it became a city, Valenzuela was formerly part of Bulacan. Even before that, the city also played an important part in the Philippines’ quest for independence from its Spanish colonizers. If you’re only in Manila to stay at the best themed hotels or at the top staycation spots, consider a visit to this historic city! Explore the city’s past and present with this list of the best things to do in Valenzuela, Philippines.

1. Take a lesson in history: Dr. Pio Valenzuela Ancestral Residence

Dr. Pio Valenzuela Ancestral House
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ralff Nestor S. N... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Our first stop is, of course, about the history of Valenzuela. The city got its name from one of its great sons, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a young medical doctor and the leader of the Philippine revolutionary movement, the Katipunan. Dr. Valenzuela was born and raised in this town, which was formerly called Polo. According to the history books, Valenzuela was part of the triumvirate that led the movement, which included Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto. Valenzuela was in charge of the revolutionary publication “Ang Kalayaan” where he wrote several articles under his nom de plume. The house where he lived and died still stands to this day, on Veliilla Street in the village of Pariancillo Villa. Visitors, however, may be limited to view the house from the street as the premises is off-limits to the public.

Dr. Pio Valenzuela Ancestral Residence

Address: Velilla Street, Pariancillo Villa, Valenzuela, Metro Manila

Duration: around 1 hour required.

Access: The house can be reached on foot but, can also be reached by riding a tricycle, a three-wheeled public utility vehicle commonly used as public transport within the city.

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2. Visit the city's first established museum: Museo Valenzuela

MuseoValenzuelajf 4385 04
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ramon FVelasquez used under CC BY-SA 3.0

To further heighten your appreciation of Valenzuela City’s culture and tradition, visit The Museo Valenzuela. This attraction is the first museum established in the city. It features a permanent exhibit of memorabilia from Dr. Pio Valenzuela’s life, as well as a doll diorama of important life events of the town’s son.

Aside from that, the museum also serves as a venue for cultural and artistic events in the city, such as the yearly arts festival and seminars on history teaching. The museum is open to the public from 9am to 4pm.

Museo Valenzuela

Address: Fatima Avenue, Marulas, Valenzuela

Price: no admission fee indicated

Opening Hours: 9am - 4pm. Everyday.

Contact: +632-291-0672

Facebook: Museo Valenzuela

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3. See the city's first Catholic church: San Diego de Alcala Church

Saint Didacus of Alcala Church in Brgy, Polo, Valenzuela City, NCR
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ramon FVelasquez used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The first Catholic church that was established in the city is the San Diego de Alcala Church, through the efforts of Father Juan Taranco and the barangay head of Polo, Don Juan Monsod. It was completed in 1632, which makes the church almost four centuries old. During the Japanese occupation, the church was destroyed by bombs, but the bell tower and a part of the front entrance remained. To this day, the belfry and the arched entrance serves as a reminder of the grand church that stood here. A new church was built next to the ruins.

San Diego de Alcala Church

Address: 098 M.H. Del Pilar Road, Poblacion, Polo, Valenzuela City

Price: no admission fee

Access: The church is located in the center of the city.

Contact: +632-292 0965

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4. Visit the city's boundaries: Arkong Bato (Stone Arch)

Arkong Bato, Valenzuela City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ralff Nestor Nacor used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Called Arkong Bato, which means “stone arch,” this monument marks the boundary of the city with another city, Malabon. When it was built in 1910, during the American colonial period, this was still part of the national road that passed through the town of Polo (the old name of Valenzuela). During that time, Polo was still part of Bulacan province, while Malabon was part of Rizal province. Now, it connects MacArthur Highway with the nearest expressway out of Metro Manila.

Arkong Bato

Address: MacArthur Highway, Valenzuela City

Price: no admission fee

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5. Have a fun day with the family at Valenzuela City Sports Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Valenzuela City Sports Park, located in Barangay Wawang Pulo, stands as an alluring destination for families seeking recreation and community engagement. The park features an obstacle course, an open-air gym, and a kids’ playground, providing each member of the family with options for physical activity.

It often hosts various tournaments, encouraging healthy competition and sportsmanship among citizens. Additionally, the park frequently hosts community events, such as concerts and exhibitions, in the spacious amphitheater, providing opportunities for families to enjoy cultural experiences.

Valenzuela City Sports Park

Address: G Salazar St, Valenzuela, Metro Manila, Philippines

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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6. Appreciate local culture: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima

National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Valenzuela City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ralff Nestor Nacor used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country, having been colonized by Spain who brought Catholicism to the islands. One interesting sub-group within the Catholic Church are the Marian devotees or devotees of the Virgin Mary. In Valenzuela, the important place for Marian devotees is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. It houses one of the original images of Our Lady of Fatima blessed by Pope Paul VI. Thus, the church is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics.

National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima

Address: MacArthur Highway, Bgy. Marulas, Valenzuela City

Price: no admission fee

Opening Hours: Mass schedules: hourly 6am - 8am; 6pm - 6:30pm Mondays - Saturdays; 5am - 10am; 5pm - 7:30pm, Sundays

Access: Take a taxi and ask the driver to bring you to the Our Lady of Fatima University compound.

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7. Go where the locals go: The Valenzuela City People's Park

Valenzuela People's park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Elanicoll used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Being part of the urban jungle that is Metro Manila, Valenzuela City used to lack spaces for leisure. The city government, in 2014, conceptualized the Valenzuela City People’s Park as an urban community park where families can enjoy a day outdoors. It finally became accessible to the public in 2015.

Located in the city center, where the government offices are, this tourist spot in Valenzuela provides outdoor leisure activities to locals and visitors alike. It houses an interactive fountain, a children’s park, an area for outdoor group exercises, a giant chess board, gazebos, picnic grounds, and a mini-zoo. The People’s Park is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Valenzuela City.

Valenzuela City People's Park

Address: Manila N Rd, Valenzuela, Metro Manila

Price: no admission fee

Opening Hours: 5am - 12am. Everyday.

Access: Located in the city center, you can walk to the park from the local government office.

Contact: +63-999 876 8976

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8. Shop and dine: The new Valenzuela Town Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Valenzuela Town Center on Friday, June 22, 2018

The Valenzuela Town Center is a relatively new development. The new mall is located near Valenzuela People’s Park and offers dining and shopping for locals and visitors, alike. Unlike the usual high-rise malls found in Metro Manila, the Town Center is sprawling and offers a lot of space to walk around, shop and choose from the many restaurants. The Town Center is a joint venture project of the city government and the private corporation Megabuild JPG.

Valenzuela Town Center

Address: Cecilio J. Santos St, Valenzuela

Opening Hours: 10am - 9pm. Everyday.

Access: The Town Center is walking distance from the city government office.

Website: Valenzuela Town Center

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9. Go on a food trip: The Long Gun Is A Burger Joint

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Foodie blogs are raving about this local burger joint with a strange name: The Long Gun Is A Burger Joint. It carries that name for a reason, though. Aside from serving 100 percent beef burgers, they also serve up burgers made of 100 percent longganisa (a kind of sausage) flavored with lots of garlic. Burgers are made to order so you will need to wait for yours, but most reviews say it’s worth it.

The Long Gun Is A Burger Joint

Address: Philippine Gun Club Road, Marulas, Valenzuela (between KFC and Fatima)

Price: from 1.50 to 2 USD per burger

Opening Hours: 9am - 7:30pm. Mondays to Saturdays.

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10. See a cultural performance at Valenzuela City Convention Center

FvfValenzuela0294 27
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Judgefloro used under CC BY-SA 3.0

When in Valenzuela City, make it a point to catch a live cultural performance in the city’s center for the arts and culture, the Valenzuela City Convention Center. This landmark in Valenzuela is home to some of the best local performances from the Philippines’ folk dances, and local ballet companies, to even art exhibits and concerts. Make a pitstop at this entertainment establishment and get the best of what the city has to offer.

Valenzuela City Convention Center

Address: Pablacion Rd 2, Valenzuela, Metro Manila

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11. Grab some delicious grub at Arca Yard Food Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

ARCA North Center is a blooming commercial complex situated in the vibrant city of Valenzuela. Launched in 2016, ARCA...

Posted by ARCA North Center on Monday, March 21, 2016

After a long day of museum hopping and seeing several Valenzuela tourist attractions, it’s only proper to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger from all the exploring. Get the best grub in Valenzuela’s food park and get a taste of local cooking from the city’s finest cooks and entrepreneurs. Some of the “hole in the walls” include fusion Japanese Filipino style food like Ooma, Little Osaka, and Norte among others. Take part in their weekend wine nights and experience a few local and international wines brought into the metro. End your travels and make one more amazing memory when traveling to Valenzuela City.

Arca Yard Food Park

Address: 286 Mc Arthur Highway, Karuhatan, Valenzuela 1441 Metro Manila, Philippines

Website: Arca Yard Food Park

Opening hours: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Sundays to Thursdays; 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Fridays to Saturdays

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12. Shop and dine: SM City Valenzuela

SM City Valenzuela Christmas Launch 2018
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user NTV2K17 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

When you think of shopping in the Philippines, you’re probably already familiar with SM Supermalls. Luckily, Valenzuela has its own SM, where you can shop until you drop. After you’ve visited the city’s famous tourist attractions, you can bring your family to SM City Valenzuela for a nice lunch or dinner at their various restaurants and fast food joints. The mall also has its own department store and hypermarket, where you can purchase items that you need for your trip!

SM City Valenzuela

Address: MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Karuhatan, Valenzuela, Metro Manila

Website: SM City Valenzuela

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)

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13. Join the fun at Paraiso ni Baste

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Paraiso ni Baste Resort on Saturday, February 29, 2020

Valenzuelanos sure know how to have fun! Paraiso ni Baste is a public pool and water park located in Barangay Canumay. For our budget travellers out there, this resort will allow you to have fun without burning a hole in your pocket. Day passes are available if you’re in Valenzuela for just a quick stop but wish to cool down for a few hours. Cottage rentals are available and can accommodate all kinds of guests, from small families to large groups.

Paraiso ni Baste

Address: 46 G. Molina Street corner Marton Road, Brgy. Canumay East Valenzuela, Philippines

Website: Paraiso ni Baste

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Value the past but work for the future

Valenzuela City is the epitome of a city that values its history and takes pride in it, while at the same time, building on its heritage so that it can move forward. Come and visit these Valenzuela tourist spots and see how modernity and history can blend together.

If you want to widen your search for the perfect stay, it’s worth noting that other travelers opt to book a stay at one of the Airbnbs with pools in nearby regions such as Quezon City. There are also stunning options for hotels in Caloocan, another neighboring city located just an hour’s drive from Valenzuela.

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Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Valenzuela, Philippines


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Liezl, a freelance writer residing in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines, embodies a passion for the written word and the intricacies of life. Her focus lies in the space between...Read more

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